Graduate Student

 Marine Mammal Research Program

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology

University of Hawaii

My interests focus in marine bioacoustics.   Dissertation  research centers on the effects of noise on marine mammal hearing.  As anthropogenic noise in the ocean increases, it is important to understand those affects on marine organisms.  Cetaceans are of particular interested because they hear exceptionally well underwater.  To determine how sound relates to marine mammal ears, I use techniques such as auditory brainstem response and temporary threshold shifts.

P     Previous work is and has focused on acoustically reflective gillnets as a method of reducing cetacean bycatch in gillnet fisheries.  It has been hypothesized that nets with increased acoustic reflectivity will be easier to detect by echolocating odontocetes thus easier to avoid entanglement.  

     My work includes determining if prototype nets do indeed have their hypothesized increased target strength.  Furthermore, I am working to develop more nets that will have a greater acoustic reflectivity.  I hope to predict how well acoustic and other methods may reduce odontocete bycatch and establish successful ideas without reducing fisherman take.  

I am also interested/involved/subcontracted to do work in fisheries acoustics, EIS statements for the U.S. Army, and the North Pacific humpback whale assessment program SPLASH.  Fisheries work includes using acoustics as a behavioral assessment tool and as a means to determine the efficacy of marine protected areas. 

If you're interested in my past academic history, download my CV.